BC: The End | Your friendship, love and well wishes will be remembered always.

FC: For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul

1: Life brings simple pleasures to us every day. It is up to us to make them wonderful memories. CathyAllen

2: To Eileen, David, Danny, Donnie, Rachel.. It's still like a dream. To think that someone you love is sharing something more fantastic than we can ever imagine. George is doing alright. Reminds me of the times that he would follow me around when he was small. Everything I said was great to Eli and George. Since Manny was at school, we used to play Caritos on the south side of the little hill. We would have a blast, although our cars and army tanks were made out of spam cans, or spools of thread with rubber bands to propel them. Typical kids trying to find something to play with when the family struggles. I also remember one Christmas we got clothes, as usual, for toys and a round rubber ball; but Georgie, since he had some Niños that were well to do, he got this great big "TONKA DUMP TRUCK". Do you remember, Eli? For a while, he wouldn't share it with you or me. The three of us would set off on some different, wild adventures every day. What imaginations. We would go to "DON ELFIDO’S", who was this elderly old man who lived by himself. Sometimes we would help him chop wood and bring it in. Georgie, since he was the youngest, would be tired after two minutes, but in the end, Don Elfido would give us treats. He would let us climb on his trees. Georgie would climb a couple of feet and say "Look at me! I'm high in the sky!" Down by the ditch, we once found these old vines of grapes and created our own caves. There we could pretend to be all kinds of different super heroes until we heard mom calling or dad whistling for us to come and do our chores before supper. After school we each had chores: bring in leña (wood), palitos (kindling) and sometimes even buckets of water (when the well broke) from the neighbors. We had fun sitting on the piles of wood, kicking up dust, and get this, we would have a contest on catching snowflakes on our tongues. When we were in our teens we would play basketball with the neighborhood kids and stay out until it got very dark. Mom would say "Que estan locos? Como pueden ver en lo escuro!" (Are you crazy? You can’t see in the dark!) We would work with the neighbor for pennies, go buy candy, go to the river, fish a bit. Then, when the fish weren't biting we would jump in the river and go for a swim, even though all we could do is dunk our heads below the water. We didn't know how to swim. I remember George would say "time me", go under, come up, clean the water from his face, and say "Did I do a minute?" Those were the days. As we grew older, we drifted apart. We got married, you moved away, we created a family. He told me once, "You are lucky. I can hardly wait to play with my kids, like you do." I saw that in his eyes the day David was born; then Danny, Donnie, and an especially bigger, brighter smile when his Rachie was born. Then, later in life, I would go into Albuquerque on work business; both him and Eli would say "Call me when you come to town. Let's have lunch," he would say. Most of the time it did happen. Georgie would call me back and say, "Pick me up behind UNMH. We'll go to Chick-fil-a.” Not the best for me. Then, later to Garcias, where he would have the biggest bowl of menudo and huge chunks of chicarrones. We would talk and he would always start his conversation with, "LA COSA ES QUE," which meant, “the thing is.” He would always invite us to his house. When Carlos was born, Connie and I invited him to be his Padrino. Georgie was so excited to be asked that he forgot to ask what he needed to do. When we went over he would ask, "Want a beer or coke or water?" PERO LA COSA ES QUE LA VIDA ES CORTA Y NO SABEMOS CUANDO NOS TOQUE, TENEMOS QUE ESTAR LISTOS. Anything can happen at the blink of an eye. What a ride, what a life, almost like a dream. George, I will pray for you always. I hope you are doing the same for me and my family always. LOVE THE MONTOYAS FROM ALCALDE. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN. I will always remember all we did growing up together. | -Mike

4: springtime | The last time that I spent time with George we were sitting at his kitchen table laughing and trying to help Rachie with for her Spanish class the next day. We laughed at the translations, the Spanglish he used and the northern way of putting an doing dishes like always and Debbie was seated with us laughing and telling George that she was still upset that he hadn't your own" he said to her. He enjoyed a shot of tequila with Rachie's first home grown watermelon. never quite understood why he was always running around, busy. Always going to every game, Eileen everywhere he went. He didn't want to miss a minute with her. He walked hurriedly and understand now that in the short time he was with us he had to get it all in. He had to teach Love of your Life was the most important thing. His world "my family comes first" and he made sure that they did. always take my seat to watch TV when I got up, even if I was a teenager. I remembered the other day that he would make They never came out quite round...He'd run looks like Africa!" He'd always rub his feet and he always made the craziest faces make homemade cakes...He must've like this is all a dream deal with being without the most wonderful wife! His voice and tranquil manner a counselor to me as he was to many. so that they made sense. I was will always | Cathy Mares

5: her translation of the story of "La Llorona" from English to Spanish "-air" ending to a word to make it sound Spanish. Eileen was helped her with her freshman English paper. "You had to learn on He was proud of her accomplishments with the garden that year. I attending every little outing, tailgating, eating with friends, dragging when he sat down his legs and feet were always doing a little shake. I Rachie how to plant a garden...he had to teach the boys that finding that was his family. I must have heard him say it a million times, Growing up with George I don't remember much except that he would said "KINGS" to save the spot and that he had the ugliest green car as fun of our tortillas when Sadie and I were learning to make them... around saying, "what country is this.?.This one together to warm them before he fell asleep when cutting things with a knife. He liked to had Home Ec.,.but they sure were a treat! I feel I know he is happy, it's the rest of us that have to him. I thank Eileen for being his best friend and His kids were blessed to learn all they did from him. of speaking will forever be in my heart. He was He always had a way of putting things blessed to have him in my life.; a gift I treasure. | (George's little sis)

6: sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore, comfort one another with these words. 1Thessalonians 4:13-18 (KJV) . -Carlos, Mere, and Camille Montoya | 13 but I would not have you be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye

7: When I was in college, I had class on North Campus where he worked. I ran into him, and he invited me to get some coffee with him. He had me walk all the way to the Mental Health building, which was on the other side of North Campus. We got all the way there, and he asked me what I wanted. I felt bad when I had to break the news to him that I did not drink coffee. He said that was okay and for me to get what I wanted. I felt like a little kid drinking OJ while he drank his coffee. | He also used to take me out for lunch to China Wok and tell me not to tell my aunt. He was supposed to be on a diet and used to use me as an excuse to eat bad. He also used to use me to eat ice cream every time I went and had dinner at his house. He would tell my aunt that we had to have ice cream because I was there. It was funny how he would use any excuse he could think of to get sweets. -Melissa Montoya

8: George told us following in his brother’s footsteps were very difficult. He said, “How can you do better than to have your name and number posted in public places?” On one of Zimmerman’s toilet stalls, someone had scrawled, “For a good time call Eli at 555-1234." Gary Nez

9: It has taken me some time to be able to sit down and write this. Uncle George was such a huge influence in my life that I’m still struggling with what to write. So I’ve decided that I want to share several things. My earliest is when I was in Elementary school. I couldn’t be more than 6 or so. I remember him sitting in a big brown leather chair in my living room and I was sitting in his lap. He asked me who my boyfriend was. I tried to shy away from the question but he kept asking. So I started naming off boys in my class so that I would have an answer. I laugh about this now because every time I saw him he’d ask what was up with one of his children and their girlfriend or boyfriend. “What do you know Marlena?” I never knew anything. But he always wanted the inside scoop on our love lives. My favorite memory is of the time he fed Liliana three pieces of cake in one evening. I kept telling him no more but he didn’t listen. She was wired!! And he thought it was the best thing ever. I’m not sure if it was because he was defying me or because Lili ate so much, or both. Either way, it was so funny to him. I’m so grateful that he had a chance to know her and love her. And this is one memory I will always share with her. There are so many more I could share but really I’m going to always remember that smile when he saw me at campus or with family. It could light up my heart and I always felt like he was so proud of me. And his laugh that seemed to come from his very soul. He loved me, my husband and my daughter so much. And it is because of that love and because he was my uncle, that I will always be blessed. Marlena

11: Leenie, I have so many memories of George. He was the little brother I never had, from teasing (even teasing poor Eli about the Cowboys) to carrying on serious conversations. So smart! I knew I could count on him for just about everything, from gardening tips to support with Mario and Monica, and Mr. Santi. Shortly after George passed, Santi told me, “Gram, remember when Uncle George used to call me Mr. Santi?" Santi loved him! He was there to support our family no matter what and I will always be thankful to him for that. George was so ready for his calling to the Diaconate program. I know he sits in the presence of our Lord. | Eileen, David, Danny, Donnie, and Rachel, we are there for you always. I know George is with our Lord still praying for all of us and he will be in our hearts forever. Love you all, Debbie

12: Love, Mom | God gave me the gift of children, to hold, love and sing to God decided he needed you more than I And took you to be with him I’m left with a heavy heart but with warm and loving memories Some that make me laugh and some that make me cry I look to the day when we are together again to share a tear or laugh Till then I hold your smile and laughter in my heart Knowing that your spirit will surround me and keep me warm

13: Mom means love | Mom’s favorite story of George is one she has repeated many, many times since his passing. He would visit early on a Saturday and drive mom to her hair appointment, walk her into the shop and request a list of groceries needed to do shopping while she got her hair done. Mom laughs as she recalls telling him she needed “eggs and tortillas” to which he would respond, "Tequila? Mom, it’s too early for tequila.” He left mom and Minnie, her hairdresser, laughing. That is a memory she has vividly implanted in her mind. | -Clara

14: Thinking of you is like the Spring, You bring love and joy to everything.

15: It’s the small memories that carry us through. The times when we feel like crying from missing him so much, but almost hearing him say “Why are you crying? I’m fine.”

16: Mom remembers Georgie as very helpful in the kitchen. In this picture, Georgie is making sopapillas with his mommy. Mom loved his conversations! She was always happy when he was around. On Saturday mornings, when we were growing up, dad and mom would go grocery shopping. Mom remembers one morning making pastelitos and leaving Georgie in charge of taking care of the oven while she was gone. I asked her if he had burnt them or if he had eaten them all by the time she and dad got home. She said, “of course not, he always did what we told him.” -Sadie | FAMILY

17: Cruiser, aka Dennis Gutierrez, contributed this picture. Cruiser and Michael Lopez were Georgie and Eli’s childhood friends. Cruiser was the one taking this picture. He was more greñudo than the other three. The four of them were known as the Four Musketeers and would spend countless days and long evenings together. Cruiser and Michael Lopez will always consider Georgie and Eli as their brothers. They had a bond that no one could break. The four of them had a very rich childhood because they had each other. | Eli, George, and Michael Lopez

18: Memories I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence I often speak your name All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart. | -Michele

19: "Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure... You will always be with us and In our hearts forever." | -Michele | "A baby girl, one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know, and one of the reasons why there is a little extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in your world today." | "A father's love warms the heart of his children forever."

20: The memory that stands out was when we went fishing, and I was too young to know what I was doing. So Georgie had me clean the fish, except he told me to cut them in half, and it didn’t make sense to me. He must have thought I would be scared because he said “it will be ok," so I started cutting them in half. I heard him yelling “the other way, the other way” meaning lengthwise. | He laughed and asked me to stand by the river cautioning me not to go in, I don’t recall him asking me to go fishing after that. I loved him very much and he had convinced me to go to some soccer games this Fall. The sun will seem a little less bright, but the memory of his smile will make up for it. | It’s the memories as a kid I remember the most. When visiting Uncle George and Aunt Clara we would play basketball, and he kept trying to get me to use the rings in the garage, and I never could. He raised a pig for my dad named Oscar (I can’t believe we named a pig we would eventually eat) and we and the boys would go out fishing. | Like most people, I have far too many memories of Georgie to come up with only a few. He had a warm smile, a twinkle in his eye and a heartfelt hug when I saw him. He loved his extended family. My parents always spoke about him, and I was always jealous that he was the best looking cousin, had a beautiful wife and kids, loved his job and more importantly loved life. | -Cousin Daniel Valdez

21: Treasured Memories | There are so many memories I have of Uncle George...way too many to mention. He was always such a loving Uncle to Carlos and me growing up and that continued with Joshua. He always had the most encouraging things to say no matter what the situation. Joshua and I miss his texts that came out of the blue. I always looked forward to his calls for my birthday. I can still hear his voice. It's still so hard to believe that he's gone. We're all left with so many great memories. We will miss him forever, but he will be in our prayers and in our hearts. Until we meet again Michele

22: Dear George and Family, I work here at UNM and I didn't know your Dad, but I need to tell you that it's become very, very apparent over the past week or so that he was obviously highly thought of and dearly loved by his co-workers. I have read the numerous emails going back and forth from his co-workers and they are all reaching out to comfort each other through what is clearly a huge loss. Your Dad touched so many people here...touched their hearts and souls and they are truly suffering his loss. He must have been an incredible man to have been so loved! So even though I didn't personally know him, I wish I had, because he sounds like he was a one in a million kind of guy! I'm sorry for this loss and pray that you and your family will find peace and comfort in knowing he was so beloved and that the sadness in your hearts will be replaced with warm and loving memories of a truly wonderful man. God bless you! Pattie Curran SOM - Office of Research

23: Hi, My memory is not of a specific "one time" incident. However, it is more an overall memory of when George worked in Dr. William's lab across the hall from my office when I first started working at UNM. Whenever I needed a "pick me up", I would walk across the hall and just sit in the lab for 10-15 minutes and talk to the "boys" - George, Steve, and Sloan. They would always cheer me up by either telling me jokes, funny stories, or they would just be there to relieve my sadness, stress, etc. And yes, they all cheered me up, but George just stood out - the calm in the storm type guy. Nothing was ever as bad once he listened to me. I know this isn't a specific one time memory, but to me, it is even better. He was a good friend that ALWAYS listened, always asked how you were doing, always smiled. I feel very fortunate to call him a friend and my life has been touched by him. Janet Kelly UNM Pathology and Fantasy Football Team Member | George always had a big smile on his face. He was such a swell guy, always friendly, kind, and respectful. My husband Gary Nez and I got to know him, Eileen, and his family very well throughout the years when our daughters played on the Alameda Flash team. We had some good times together. My daughter recalled how she and Ashley Espinosa would get picked to be the goalkeepers (we thought because they were basketball players) during the years when the team goalie was out with injuries. George, as the assistant coach, would work with Adele and Ashley during warm-ups. They’d tell him to make sure there are six defenders helping them defend the goal. And they’d also tell him, “George, we’re terrible at this! We suck!” He’d encourage them, saying, “No, you guys are good, you’ll be fine, you’ll do well.” We will miss him dearly. May God Bless. Gary and Daisy Nez

24: A Family Is A Gift That Lasts Forever | You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. | Isaiah 26: 3

25: WE LOVE YOU, GEORGE -Mike Rael | I remember so many times spent with your family and George's laughter was constant at all of them. He had such a big smile and when he'd see you, he'd make you feel so welcome and at home. I remember how his yard was so well maintained. My dad, Ernie, would say "Man his yard is perfect." I remember George always had time for anyone. So many times when I was younger and Joyce was taking classes at UNM, I would be with her. It didn't really matter what time it was, if George was there at school, we could always go in to say hello. I remember at the BBQs at his house, George was always asking, "where's Rachie, or he would call Donnie 'Donatello' after the Ninja Turtles. My dad and George would always talk about how David and Danny were doing in soccer and how Stevie and I were doing in football. We were so young then. My grandma Juanita told me the other day that being as they shared the same birthday, George would call her and sing happy birthday over the phone to her. I never knew that. That's how George would make a person feel important, no matter | photos, and although George isn't in the picture, I remember that it was at George and Leenie's house that they were married. I knew how much George and David and Danny enjoyed my mom's posole and menudo. It's something that took me a little longer to enjoy, but that's something that will always remind me of him whenever I have a bowl. And my mom never called him George, it was always Georgie. And that brings me to my memory of not just who George is to me, but also what he is. He's my uncle and he's my Godfather. I remember so many Christmases, birthdays, BBQs, Fourth of Julys, get-togethers, and graduations. When I think of George, I also have to think of his family. That's how I know him, always with his family whenever I saw him. I appreciate him very much, I enjoyed him very much, and I'm very happy that he was more than such a great person I was privileged of spending time with, but also a friend and Uncle. | how big or small his gesture. When I'm at | my parent's house, I often pass by their wedding

26: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 Dear Mrs. Montoya, I am one of the many who grieve the loss of your husband, George. I was Chairman of the Department of Pathology from 1994 until 2006 and am now retired and living in Fort Collins, Colorado. I knew George to be one of the brightest, most dependable and committed staff who worked for the Department or others at UNM. Several faculty and other staff periodically remarked on how good he was at his job, particularly Tom Williams and Barbara Griffith, both of whom have very high expectations and are absolutely reliable. I enjoyed meeting George in the hallway where he always had a warm smile for me. He always looked like a "man with a mission" doing something that would undoubtedly keep his laboratory moving in the right direction. As far as I could tell he could do no wrong. He helped to make the Pathology Department, a terrific Department and UNM, a better place. I am sorry I was unable to attend his Memorial Service where I understand from Tom Williams, George was acknowledged to be a exemplary family man and member of his Church. Sincerely yours, Mary F. Lipscomb, MD Professor Emeritus of Pathology UNM School of Medicine

27: Dear Montoya Family, George Montoya was our professional colleague at UNM, since his efforts in Dr. Ken Tung's lab. George was always helpful, cheerful, responsible, knowledgeable, and professional in his efforts in the Department of Pathology. He was a team player. Barbara could always count on George. On the Friday before George departed our lives, George spontaneously helped Barbara move 3 small centrifuges. George was so proud of his family, their love and accomplishments. Barbara enjoyed asking George about his beloved wife and four great children; George loved to answer. With deepest sympathy, Barbara and Jeffrey Griffith Department of Pathology UNM Health Sciences Center

28: FRIENDS

29: my mom, and he told me that he had gone to mass and prayed for her to get better. She did get better, and I will always hold George dear to my heart for including my mom in his prayers. After sitting next to George every day for 4 months and sharing stories, I know that is the kind of person George always was -- caring, kind, generous, and full of life and love. There was nothing George loved more than God and his family. Since his death, I think about George every day. I hope that my career can be as successful as his, and I will be valued at UNM as he was. I use him as an example to follow, and an inspiration to have the strength and courage to achieve great things. His thoughtfulness and generosity have also inspired me to be a better person outside of work. I think of how he would buy meals for complete strangers and pray for anyone who needed prayers, even if he had never met them before. I miss George, but I know that he has a special place in Heaven. I can only hope that someday we will meet again. God Bless! -Cathy Martinez | I met George about 5 years ago when I first started working at UNM, but I didn't really get to know him until last December when he started working with my group in the Human Tissue Repository. Even though I haven't known him very long, I feel like I got to know a lot about him. We actually shared an office over the 4 months that he spent in my group. We shared many stories and found we had many things in common. My 11-year-old daughter is a soccer player, so naturally we talked about soccer A LOT! George would share his experiences with fund raising, coaching, and tournaments over the years, and give me advice for my daughter's team. We talked about having a group outing for our co-workers to attend a UNM women's soccer match and watch Rachel play. The group is still planning to do this, and we will be yelling "Go Rocky!" for George. We also talked about religion, and I found George to be a great source to answer some of my questions. I know George had a special gift as a servant of God. A month or so before George passed away my mother had been in the hospital with a potentially serious condition. George was so understanding when I had to leave work to sit with

30: "Recently, when visiting mom and dad, George easily got dad to shower without too much problem, or got him to share or to cut his hair. For some reason, dad bent easily to George’s requests." -Cathy

32: All things grow better with love.

34: Prayer of St. Francis Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy. Lord, grant that I may seek comfort rather than be comforted; to understand, rather than to be understood; to love rather than being loved. For it is by giving that one receives; by forgiving that one is forgiven, and by dying that one awakens to Eternal Life. Amen

35: "The family is one of nature's masterpieces." -George Santayana

37: I loved uncle George very much. He was really nice. He was always telling scary ghost stories. I once helped Uncle George in singing a Christmas song on his birthday. Uncle George was a very great man. Uncle George, I know that you are in heaven, but please watch over the whole family. Auntie and cousins, don't be sad, think of happy days with him. P.S. I did shots in basketball like him when he was a kid. I love you, Santi

38: 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

39: 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. John 14:1-4 (KJV) -Carlos, Mere, and Camille Montoya

40: A family is pieced together with hope and faith. A family is quilted and bound with love and grace.

42: Georgie dressed up as a clown for Phillip’s first birthday. He got right into the role and greeted all the guests with gusto. No one else wanted the job. He knew that having a clown at my first-born son’s party meant the world to me. We all know he was a very giving person. His personality lent itself to the roles and responsibilities he took on as an adult. Obviously, our creator had a bigger role for him away from this earth. I was having a hard time remembering Georgie as a little boy. It helped a lot to read my brothers’ and my sister’s memories of Georgie. Over Thanksgiving 2011, Michael and I were talking about what Cathy and Eli had written. Michael swears that the car with the funky lights was his and not Georgie’s (I don’t know why either one of them would want to claim that car). And that Michael was with Georgie when he found Don Elfido. I don’t know whose story is true, but now I don’t feel so bad about not remembering. However, we both agreed that it was Georgie who wore those hideous platform shoes. This is what I remember. Georgie was kind and loving and fun. He loved his family very much. Always smiling. He was very good looking. Many thought he looked like Donny Osmond. We all had chores: washing, rinsing, drying the dishes, sweeping, peeling potatoes, bringing in palitos and leña. The boys had a huerta down the hill from our house (Cat and I did not participate in any of their outside chores..thank goodness. I think). Mom would send Cathy and I down the hill to go call the boys to come eat lunch. We would find them sitting under the tree eating radishes and tomatoes instead of hoeing like they were supposed to. I remember my first year away from home when I was at UNM. Georgie was recently married and madly in love with Leenie. You couldn’t say Georgie’s name without thinking of Leenie. They would pick me up from campus and take me to Leenie’s mom’s for dinner. Mrs. Garcia adored Georgie to no end. I remember the day that Georgie picked up mom and me from the airport after Uncle Damian’s funeral in Utah. He had had a very stressful day at work. As he was driving us to his house he was making mom laugh by telling us about his busy day...He had gone in early to work and was the first one to arrive at work. He had to disarm the alarm. However, after thirty some years of disarming the same alarm, he went blank on the alarm code and set it off! The campus police came and he had to confess a senior moment. He couldn’t remember the combination to the alarm!!!! We Montoyas can all relate to those senior moments. God help us! Georgie loved unconditionally. This morning, as I sit here crying uncontrollably, I will always know that I loved my brother and my brother loved me. God Bless You, Georgie. Watch over me and guide me. | Sadie

43: “Families are like fudge...mostly sweet with a few nuts.”

44: THE GOOD OLD DAYS

45: Like branches on a tree, our lives may grow in different directions yet our roots remain as one.

47: You will forever be in our lives, you will forever be a brother, a son, an uncle and friend. I am going to miss your shining face I think of you and wonder why? I might cry or smile, but at the end of the day I am one day closer to you.... -Eli | I need to breathe. I need to love and miss you, but I also need to live because through me you will live, | you will still laugh and love, you will still sing and dance, you will still hug and kiss.

48: so many | In January 2005, my Niño George wrote a letter to me to read while I was away on my Confirmation Retreat. In that letter, he wrote, "we still remember, as if it were yesterday, the day of your Baptism. There you were, a tiny baby so full of promise without a worry in the world." I really look up to my Niño, and even to this day, when I read those words, it gives me the inspiration to do good and fulfill the potential that he saw in me, even at that young age. Always smiling, always a good guy, I am blessed to have had him in my life for the time I did, to see those things in a person I look up to and to take that and apply it to my own life. Love you Niño! Bobby

49: LIVE WELL LAUGH OFTEN LOVE MUCH | When I first met George he was only 14 years old, a quiet, shy, mild-mannered boy. He always sat by the kitchen window looking out. He rarely spoke. As years went by this young boy met the love of his life, Eileen. I had never seen him so happy. His children soon followed and he was complete. George not only cared for his family but he became very involved with teaching and nurturing his nieces and nephews. I was glad Marlena and Melissa could go to Eileen and George for advice. Their home was always open and | they were always welcome. This made me feel blessed they had this type of relationship. Manny and I spent many good times with George and Eileen. I especially remember our trip to Puerto Peñasco. Boy, did we have fun. Our boat cruise of drinking and dancing on the boat was well let's just say fun and leave it at that. How we got back to the hotel I don’t know. All I remember were pitchers of margaritas. George’s love was also the diaconate program. I was so looking forward to seeing him at the altar with Manny for family masses. But God had other plans. He skipped the diaconate program went straight to heaven. Now all I can say is, Brother save a place for us. We will always love you and miss you. Eileen “sis” we will always be there to walk, talk, | and cry with you. I love you! -Maxine

50: A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.

51: “I’m so lucky as can be, the world’s greatest dad belongs to me.”

52: Dear Leenie, David, Danny, Donnie and Rachie, George had a wonderful laugh at times a stern and serious voice a heart of gold a comforting word and a way to always make you look at things differently then you were thinking. Through us George will still laugh, he will still smile, he will still cry, he will still dance, he will still pray because through you and all of us he will continue to be in our lives forever.... George loved his family and always said "family comes first." He was an awesome brother and we always thought we would have him around...God had a different plan. We greatly Love and Miss him but are forever thankful to him for gently placing all of you in our lives. Much love, Cathy, Sam, Andrea, Bobby and David

55: Albuquerque

57: Isaiah 41:10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

58: “Don’t count the years. Count the memories.”

61: MAKING MEMORIES

62: When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. -Joyce Brothers

64: George was my best friend and I will miss him more than you will ever know. | -Phil Garry

65: “They that love beyond the world cannot be separated by it. Death cannot kill what never dies.” William Penn

66: "And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, How could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more." ~ Dr. Seuss

67: Holiday Memories Warm Even The Coldest Of Days

68: If you love someone you say it, you say it right then, out loud, or the moment just... passes you by

69: Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage

70: George was a very special person who was well known to so many of us because of his long service to UNM in support of research first as a technologist and then as a scientific manager. He recently transferred from Cosette Wheeler's laboratory to manage the Human Tissue Repository Group. I first met George in 1980 when he was a young research technologist working in Dr. Ken Tung's lab and I was a post-sophomore pathology fellow. George taught me the first immunologic techniques I learned and I was later able to teach him some molecular biology procedures years later in the 1990's when he worked in my research laboratory. Other groups George worked with included Carolyn Mold's and Phil Garry's laboratories and TriCore. The numbers of medical students, technologists, graduate students, post-docs, and residents that George has helped in these decades at UNM are huge. He had a positive impact on just about everyone he met over the years, whether the person was a scientist at UNM or a player on a soccer team he was coaching. George was a great teacher who was kind and who brought out the best in people. He was one of the best persons I have ever known at UNM. Thomas M. Williams, MD

72: Game to Honor Father's Life It's more than just a game. The UNM women's soccer team will pay a special tribute to George D. Montoya at this Friday's match against St. Mary's. Montoya passed away from a sudden heart attack last April. He was the father of current Lobo player Rachel Montoya and was an avid Lobo Soccer supporter. He attended nearly every game during Rachel's freshman and sophomore seasons. “What a great man he was,” head coach Kit Vela said. “Honestly, every game is going to be important for him and for us. He was at every home game and nearly every away game. He wasn't just Rachel's dad, he was one of our biggest fans, and Friday night is big, but I think that this whole season will be for him.” Friday's game will be the first one Rachel has played without her dad watching from the stands. She said it is going to be different without him there, but she is thankful for her team's support during the tough time. “It's really important,” she said. “This is my first season without my dad, so there will be a lot of nerves and emotions. It means the world to me to have my teammates, though This whole time they have not been just my team but my family since this has happened.”

73: “Rachel's older brother Donnie Montoya said her dad would have wanted her to keep playing. He was so supportive of all of us, and he was a diehard Lobo fan, and it's great to see all of the support being given back to him,” he said. Since last April the team has rallied around Rachel. “She knows her dad has left her in a good place, ” Vela said. “She has an extended family with all the girls, and from the moment he passed everyone here has been with her. It's important to her to know that she is important to this program as a person and as a player.” George Montoya worked at UNM for over 30 years in the science research department. Before he passed he was the manager of the human tissue repository laboratory. He was also a passionate fan of and season ticket holder for men's basketball for 30 years. The Montoya family founded the George D. Montoya Research Scholarship Fund to honor George Montoya’s dedication to education at UNM. “He was very into education,” Donnie Montoya said. “He helped a lot at the University, and when I was a kid he always told me how important school was, and this scholarship will help someone get an education.” August 15, 2011 New Mexico Daily Lobo By Nathan Farmer

74: George was a wonderful person. He loved his wife and family very much. He was like a big brother to us at Epidemiology. When tragedy hit the department with the loss of Melissa Albert he was there for all of us. He always had a smile on his face and never had anything bad to say. I will miss running into him on campus and seeing him every Christmas Eve at the cemetery. If any of you need anything, anytime, please call and if we should see each other in a common place don't hesitate to say hello. God Bless you all. Elizabeth Montana UNM /HSC Dept. of Surgery

75: George, would always stop and talk to me whenever I would visit the university to see my wife Janet. And fantasy football will not be the same without him there. George and I were always rooting for the 49ers. We discussed the upcoming season each year, hoping the new season would bring a better record than the previous one. George was a friend who always had a smile on his face and kindness in his voice. My friend will always be in my heart. Larry Kelly | In the short time I knew George, he always greeted me with a smile and was very willing to finish the task he was given. He always had a positive attitude and spoke with kindness! I hope to continue that positive attitude as I work with his co-workers in the Human Tissue Repository area and everyone here at UNM. Sincerely, Cindy Browning Pathology Department | This is my memory of your father. I was a young tech at UNM when I met your father. I worked in the same lab, which he helped to start at the beginning of the project grant. I was hired to work on tissue culture which was new to me. I consulted George on many occasions to help me. I remember his enthusiasm and generous support he showed me when I was learning tissue culture techniques. He was easy to approach, straight to the point and always willing to help me despite his busy schedule. He was quick with a smile whenever I saw him in the hallway. He made me feel welcomed and I will always be grateful. Sincerely, Tenzin Tsewang

76: Like my second parents, I learned a lot about raising kids through you! -Fish

77: Our lives with George began 25 years ago when George and Eileen moved across the street. Not long after, we were honored to become Compadres, which forever bonded us. We will always hold fond memories of Compadre George. We will forever remember his laughter and joy of being a prankster! He played several pranks on us over the years, and with each one, him and Eileen could be heard laughing from across the street. We will also miss his morning greeting, "Oye Viego Sordo!" Those three words would make our day! George was a friend to everyone he met. He never knew a stranger. We are grateful for his friendship and the friendships we created through George! "Que Compa!" you left us way too early! But, someday we will all be together again sharing a cup of coffee, chatting and dunking ginger snaps. Adios Compadre...gone, but never forgotten! Eileen, David, Danny, Donnie, and Rachel, we are forever family, and we are always here for you! Siempre! Compadre Art and Comadre Rosemary

78: Uncle George was a great inspiration to David and I. He always showed us great support and love. He taught us to be strong in our faith and always trust in God! He was an amazing example through his marriage, his life in the church and through his love of family. David and I are blessed to know him and have him in our family!!! We love you Uncle George and miss you everyday! Love, David and Monica

80: George/Mumbo, You were one of my best childhood, high-school, and college buddies and I miss you so much. So many wonderful memories, but I will share only a couple. Many friends and family always wondered why a group of us (Georgie, Eli, Mike, David, Bobby, Cruiser, and I) always greeted each other as “Orahle Mumbo”. In our early high school years, there was a local bum/drunk that cruised our little town of Velarde. His nick-name was “Mumbo”, because he loved dancing the mumbo. Hence, we always teased each other as being that “Mumbo”. George and I first met in the fourth grade at the Velarde elementary school and we were both very competitive (class, sports, fishing, etc). I remember that he beat me out for the basketball team and I can already hear him saying when we meet again, “Mumbo I beat you to heaven, let’s go see who can catch the biggest fish!” | Leroy Gonzales

81: George and I were also roommates our first year at UNM. I remember one time he and Eileen came together to ask me for a favor. I had just customized my Ford van and they needed to run some errands, would “I lend them the van for an hour or so”. After what seemed like eternity, they both walked in. George behind Eileen, pale as a ghost. George did not even say a word, Eileen gave me the news. “Leroy, don’t be mad, but George and I were just in an accident”. Thank God, they were both O.K., but my van was not. The last several years we always talked about getting together to do some fishing or camping but there never seemed to be time. He had so many great qualities. He was a man of God. He was a great husband and father. I knew him for such a long time, yet what stands out to me the most is that his number one priority was Eileen and his children. George was the epitome of what a man should be. I love you buddy and until we meet again. “Hey, Mumbo, we tied in getting the best looking wives”, we can argue this at a later time.

82: George and I are first cousins, colleagues, and best friends. As children, we both grew up in families with six children. Our families would visit each other and we would play "Kick the Can" (a hide and seek game). As young adults we both attended UNM along with Eli, who was George's roommate. When George fell in love with Eileen, he couldn't stop talking about her. I remember the day he told me he wanted to marry her. His beautiful brown eyes glistened and his wonderful smile went from ear to ear. He just glowed with love and anticipation of marrying Eileen and having a wonderful life with her and their children. But he needed a job! I was working with Dr. Ken Tung doing research at the School of Medicine and he talked to me because he too was interested in doing research. I talked to Dr. Tung and he hired George as a work-study student doing full time work for the summer. When school started, George continued his studies and working full time. George continued to take classes until he graduated with Bachelors Degree. It was hard for him but he persevered because it was so important to him to have his degree. He wanted to be a good model for his kids. | 1980

83: Evelyn Heaphy | He married Eileen in June 1978 and Michael & I and George & Eileen were best friends. We went to Lobo football games and basketball games and just about everything else together. We even decided to start our families at the same time! These pictures were taken when they came to meet Chris at two days old. It was March 15th, 1980 and Eileen & George would have their first born son, David, in May. Two years later, Eileen and I were pregnant at the same time again, this time our due dates were even closer! Margaret was born on August 27 (two weeks early) and Danny was born on October 6 (two weeks late). George and Eileen would have Donnie and Rachel while Michael and I stopped at two. George was so very happy with his four children! They were his pride and joy, but Eileen was his one true love. He always talked about how wonderful she was. He admired how hard she worked and still came home to love and care for him and the kids. She even had time for sewing and crafts and he loved how creative she was! He always had that glint in his eyes when he said her name. George truly had found his soulmate! Michael & I moved to Denver for three years and when we came back, George helped me get a job with Dr. Tung. We continued working together. Dr. Tung left in 1978 and he talked to Dr. Carolyn Mold about hiring us and she said yes. George worked full time for her and I worked part time for Dr. Rick Crowell. We were in the same lab again and our friendship continued as if we'd never left. Michael and George coached basketball for Chris and David. Our boys were also on the same soccer team and we traveled to tournaments together. Our paths diverged when the boys got older and he started coaching Danny. George went on to start the four & five year old developmental soccer team with Donnie. He wanted to start them in soccer when they were really young so they could develop great skills. He was excellent with the little ones and George became known as a great coach in the soccer world. He coached many fine soccer players and their admiring parents loved him. Donnie went on to play in college and quickly became a starter for his team. Rachel is now a starter for UNM Soccer and her team won the Mountain West Championship this year. George was so very proud of all his boys and Rachel staying at UNM was icing on his cake. He loved having friends and family come watch her play. George lived his entire life in 53 years and he jam packed it full of love for his family and many, many friends. He treated everyone, young or old, with respect. He loved to learn new things and it showed with all the many admiring colleagues (technicians and doctors alike) he left at UNM School of Medicine. Most of all, George loved his children, each one was special to him. He was so proud of the wonderful young adults they had become. But to George, there was only one that could take his breath away and could make his heart skip a beat---Leenie!

84: I have many, many good memories of George and we always He would always have the same enthusiasm and happy to great family man and he was always talking about the kids always talked about when we would retire and the politics of could start something new.....I was always impressed with his I remember him running back to the university to keep was doing something to help people....impressed at his My first meeting with George and Eileen was as a young of the girl I wanted to marry after only a few months. We on our side for our big decision. So we drove to Albuquerque was a little guy walking in the house with George, his and they gave us the confidence we needed to move forward and made my first family meeting with Cat's parents, brothers, and lots of other family much much easier....I remember we left back then and George and Eileen made our first meeting so and as the families grew we always had so gatherings and just I remember when the kids were younger and we would have asleep in a huge pile after running hard for hours. We would all in the same place with small kids and happy. I remember Las Cruces, in Arizona when we were there in the 80's, and came down for the day and we drove to Ruidoso with the kids while we were all in their little Honda. As the years rolled watch growing up through the years (sorry Danny for the cut bad) and the soccer tournaments Great memories and we all miss you George. I know you are lot better now that

85: got along really well through the 28 years I knew him. meet you response every time you saw him. He was a or Eileen and you would always smile, listening. We working for a university. We counted the years till we background in microbiology and his technical expertise. experiments going in the middle of the night because he motivation to help other people....he did that his entire life. college kid who was scared to death to meet the parents were moving fast and I was not sure everyone would be and stopped at their home (I remember Big David, who McDonalds cheeseburger in one hand and a big smile) with our plans. They drove with us to Cathy's parent’s house sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandma Sadie, Niños, Niñas, happy that things went so easily. We were pretty scared much easier. They were always there to talk to about life much fun at different parties, family gatherings visits throughout the years. some party at the Casanova and all the kids would fall go to the big pile and find our kids and head out...we were they always went out of their way to visit us: here in even to Alamogordo before we left to Arizona. They (David/Danny) and kept them entertained for a few hours by, we always had good visits and the kids were fun to on your head. I thought that beer bottle was empty....my every year here in Las Cruces..... still helping everyone to move forward, the world is a you were here. | Sam

86: My memories of George are endless. As a little girl I listened to his ghost stories and ran home scared. My parents would call me home and I would beg George to ask my folks if I could stay later. In high school, George would check on me and remind me to be safe and good. As a young adult, George would hug me and tell me he was proud of me and happy for me. When I got married and had kids, George embraced my family and loved them like he loved me! I will forever hold dear to my heart: 1) George's laugh! It was filled with love and everything good. 2) What he informally taught me about being a parent 3) When he hugged me and said "Aye que Felicia." I knew he was praying for me and loved me just the way I am. I love you George, Eileen, Dave, Don, and Rach! I love you so much! Felicia

87: Thank you George for loving me, Big James and my kids as if they were yours. -Fish

88: I met Eli before I met George. Eli took George to the house to visit. When I first met George, he was very polite. It wasn’t long before George and Eileen started dating. My wife, Rachel, loved George from the very beginning. George was good to my wife and me. One day we were having dinner at my house and George told me that he wanted to marry my daughter. I told them it was up to them both. Rachel loved George and was happy that Eileen had found herself a good man. She always had good things to say about her son-in law. Eileen was marrying a good person and that was important to us. He was always helpful and respectful. After they got married, they lived with us for a while until they got their own house. I liked having him live with us. He was very helpful and cheerful and respectful. He was a good person with family. When my Rachel got sick, it was Georgie that would clear the tube she liked it when Georgie would clean the tube. Some lady used to come do it, but she wanted Georgie to do it. I used to like to go fishing with Georgie. We went to Colorado, to Jemez, and Bluewater when they had their little trailer. Rachel used to go with them. One time they went to Pecos and Rachel went with them for three days. I was busy with work but I would meet them there. I love my four grandchildren. George did his job as a dad. Not only did he insist on a good education at school but he also educated them at home. He taught them good values and the importance of respect. They are a loving and respectable family. I was talking to David on the phone and I was telling him about the time that I went to visit them at their house. George and I were drinking a beer and asked me to start talking to them in Spanish. They don’t understand me, I said. He said they understand more than you think. On another occasion he was writing something on the computer. I went to visit them. He asked me to let him finish on the computer and then we could enjoy a drink together. Danny was there. When he was done, he gave the paper to Danny to read to me. The paper was written in Spanish and it was about Costa Rica. Danny knew I liked going to Costa Rica. He read real good in Spanish. It is a shame that George died so young. I love him like a son and I thank him for being such a good husband to my daughter, Eileen. | Elmer

90: Uncle George was one of a kind. It's easy to see why we all loved him. He was a true inspiration. I didn't get to talk to him very often, but when I did, he was always so encouraging and he always made me feel like he was really listening to what I was telling him. I loved how laid back and sincere he was. I was in San Diego when I got the news. I wanted to rush home to be with my family, but my mom encouraged me to stay in San Diego because he always loved it there. I didn't want to stay, but somehow I felt a sense of calm come over me for the rest of the trip. I paid more attention to the beautiful views and sunsets. He must have been there somehow to help me through. I know he's looking down on you and on all of us sending us blessings everyday. It was such a blessing to know him and an honor to call him uncle. I love you very much Uncle George, Auntie Leenie, Dave, Danny, Donnie, and Rachie. :)

91: -Love, Andi

92: I don’t even know where to begin but I will start by saying it never ceases to amaze me how our God works. When I was young, I believed that your family was the people you were born into and that’s how it was. I was so wrong. Family is the people that come in to your life and fill it with love, caring, and understanding. I believe that God puts people in our path because He has a greater plan. I also believe God put George and his family in my family’s path for a purpose. George and Eileen and the boys and Rachel are my family. I know them as uncle, aunt, and cousins. For every event in my life they have been there. With them also came my extended family, the Montoyas, and of course, Elmer. Jeesh, I have a big family. Lol. | My memories of George are of a kind loving man who always had time to talk to you or to listen. He wanted to know what was going on in your life. I remember when I was young the scary story nights when he would have to walk us home because I was so scared. Also, when we would go eat at the ‘all you can eat’ chicken place in the east mountains. I also remember when my grandparents passed he was there to ask me if I was alright and told me to pray for them and to have faith in God. | Carlo DeVargas

93: I also remember how all of them went to Texas for Fish’s wedding and how I felt like my sister’s big day was not forgotten. I remember telling my mom after his passing that I thought that he would be the one here to help us if anything was to happen to them. I felt like why, how did this happen, almost like what will we do. But then I remember what he told me: to have faith in Jesus, our Lord. He will guide us through the storms of life because he is our light. I am proud to be able to say that George was and is my uncle. And I want to tell Eileen and the kids that I love them very much and they are my family. And I will always be here for them and I’m glad our paths did cross.

94: Cherish The Ones You Love

95: When Auntie Bernie passed away in 2010, George and I split taking mom and dad to the burial in Santa Fe after the funeral in Albuquerque. We stopped and grabbed them some hamburgers and dad went with George. I recall dad had a full set of dentures when he left with George, but somehow after the burial, dad had a missing lower plate of dentures. George laughed as he searched high and low in his car and in the bag of trash. They were nowhere to be found. He laughed at the thought of someone finding them somewhere in the cemetery. I always teased him that he “lost dad’s teeth”. -Cathy

96: Just pondering what life will now be without one......a little brother. I have always had one to pick on, fight with, laugh with, sit and have a cold one with while talking about our lives, wives, kids, work. As young children, I remember the times "Georgie" would want to get up extra early to go fishing at the river, go play basketball till it got way too dark to see (he could make those sapo shots from all over that court), go work with the neighbor planting or picking chile and bringing in the hay and going swimming in the river to clean up afterwards, being altar boys and doing some crazy stuff we won't mention. I just realized why my brothers and sisters call me "black sheep", he would coax me (a hard thing to do) into doing all sorts of stuff thinking he would follow, but he never did. We would play king of the mountain and wrestle each other down the hill, with cactus on the way down! He was a cool playmate as we grew up, riding bikes, playing ball, and just running off into the orchards making tree houses and relaxing in little caves in the vineyards. As we got older, he was my fun roommate in college until he met Eileen, then forget it, it was all over with (not really Leenie), he just added you into the family. He was a huge Lobos and San Francisco fan, never could make him a Cowboy fan though. I loved having a younger brother, especially in our later years when we met for the occasional breakfast and when he called me to "learn how to" projects from laying sod to plumbing, etc. Yup little brother, I learned alot from you. We had a "brother coin" we would pass from one to the other to know who would pay next. He always got mad cuz when it was my turn to pay, only he and I could meet and when it was his turn, Mario, Donnie, or others would show up. NOT MY FAULT! He would think that he was the older brother, trying to counsel me and take care of things. He always had a mind of his own and did as HE thought best. As adults, he would come over and I would offer him a beer but he wanted the good stuff, TEQUILA shots, and drink it slooooow! I always thought of the times he and I spent together not really thinking of all the activities he was really into. He touched alot of family and friends with a positive influence as I looked up into the church at his rosary and funeral and saw the hundreds of friends there. It was a blessing that he got into the diaconate program, that was God putting the finishing touches and polishing him up to come home. Eileen, Dave, Danny, Donnie, and Rocky....He was always so very proud of you guys and loves you dearly, and I know he is with you daily watching over you. Georgie, I miss you daily and know you are with our FATHER watching over your family and the rest of us. Adios mi Hermanito, it was a wonderful life, and I thank you for the time we spent together. | -Eli

98: The day Deacon Manny passed down the honor of the official blessing to deacon aspirant, George.

99: George, the little brother, always worried about everything. Not a pest but a companion. When he was in junior high he was just there. When he was in high school he shared what was on his mind. He went away to college (only as far as Albuquerque) and then became confident. We would talk and he listened to what big brother had to say. More than once he did the talking, and I had to listen. He married and our brother-friend relationship grew stronger. He developed the dreaded "C" and won. We then talked about the higher purpose meant for his life. We shared. We supported. We were brothers. See you soon, little brother. Manny

100: George & Eileen Montoya June 3, 1978

101: { | { | LOVE

102: There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love.

103: It doesn’t matter where you go in life, what you do...it’s who you have beside you.

104: “...a man is not judged by how much he loves, but by how much he is loved by others." ~ Wizard of Oz